The Senate passed a sanctions bill targeting Russia and Iran by a vote of 86-11, renaming the legislation the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia Act after the late senator who championed it. The bill includes sanctions on Putin, Russian officials, and military leaders, along with tariffs of up to 500% on Russian imports and up to 100% on countries like China and India that buy Russian energy; Rand Paul was the sole Republican to vote against it, joined by ten Democrats. The bill now moves to the House, where its outcome is uncertain due to right-wing opposition to U.S. involvement in the war and Democratic concerns over its tariff provisions.
Reports the Senate's overwhelming bipartisan passage of the renamed sanctions bill, emphasizing the tribute to Graham, the vote tally (86-11), key bill provisions (oil/gas tariffs, oligarch sanctions, Iran sanctions extension), Democratic and Rand Paul objections over tariff authority given to Trump, and the bill's uncertain path in the House.
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Detailed coverage emphasizing Graham's personal legacy and final legislative push, Zelenskyy's direct lobbying for the bill, specifics of tariff mechanics (up to 500% on Russian imports, 100% on top buyers), the near-derailment by Paul/Wyden and Warnock, and the bill's uncertain House prospects due to right-wing opposition to Ukraine involvement as well as Democratic tariff concerns. The Daily Caller frames it critically as a 'Neocon-Backed Bill.'